#UseItUpChallenge launches at Eataly and goes live on social media

The World Food Forum (WFF) culinary series is an initiative of the Youth Toward Zero Food Waste Campaign, a movement to empower young people to join the fight against food waste. Each month, we provide a platform for leading chefs around the world to share a zero-waste dish, spreading awareness about the issue and providing practical tips for taking action.

During the July episode of the Youth Toward Zero Food Waste culinary series, held on 17 July, at Eataly, Rome, Chef Irene Volpe showed that creativity, global inspiration, and a commitment to preventing food waste prove the perfect pairing.

In this culinary episode, Chef Volpe drew on her background on Masterchef to take on our #UseItUpChallenge in front of a live audience at Eataly, successfully incorporating surprise ingredients into a delectable dish in just 30 minutes.

The #UseItUpChallenge, which will soon be launched on the WFF TikTok and Instagram, seeks to inspire young home cooks to conceptualize dishes using at least three ingredients that they already have and that are at risk of being wasted. Chefs and influencers around the world will support the challenge, as we repost top videos through our channels.

For the launch of the #UseItUpChallenge, we challenged Chef Volpe to use three Eataly ingredients that were aesthetically “imperfect” or at risk of spoiling but still good to eat. With just a few supporting ingredients, Chef Volpe transformed broken taralli, wilting cilantro, expiring bell peppers and figs into a vibrant dish of muhammara, bursting with plant-based flavor and texture.

While cooking, Chef Volpe gave tips on how to make the most of every ingredient, emphasizing the importance of culinary adaptability and meal planning. Following the culinary preparations, FAO programme officer Glenda Cabral Calzuola and Rome Sustainable Food Project Head Chef Fausto Ferraresi tasted the dish before continuing the conversation with Chef Volpe in a dynamic Q&A.

During the Q&A, panelists remarked on the necessity of tackling food waste not just as individuals, but also at a more systemic level. The event’s setting at Eataly was fitting for such a discussion, as the chain of Italian marketplaces is known for its commitment to reducing waste across the supply chain.

Calzuola, Ferraresi and Volpe also commented on the role of young people in leading the zero food waste movement, underscoring awareness and cultural influences as key factors.

If you’re ready to join the movement and bring the excitement to your kitchen, take on the #UseItUpChallenge yourself. Don’t forget to tag us, we’re excited to see your videos and combat food waste together!